LEIRIA

In the shadow of the castle

The stones of ancient Roman city Colippo were used in the Middle Ages to build Leiria. As soon as we enter the city, we immediately see the castle. At the top of the castle, we have a view over both the city and the rural outskirts. In 1135, D. Afonso Henriques has conquered this bastion, but it was not until 1195 that the castle became fully Christian. Inside the wall built by D. Fernando and D. João I, the citadel with its keep evokes the former military importance. The Royal House, where D. Dinis and Holy Queen Isabel lived in, would probably be located outside, inspiring many legends around the city. The castle was partially destroyed after the several battles that it went through, from the fights agains Muslims to the French invasions. In the beginning of the 20th century, the castle underwent major renewal works under the direction of architect Ernesto Korrodi. D. Dinis ordered important works, such as the drying of Ulmar fen or the plantation of Leiria woods (nowadays Leiria pine forest) to sustain coastal dunes west and northwest from the city. The intensive plantation of wild pines would later play a major role in shipbuilding. Mills have always been built in Lis river in order to take advantage of hydraulic energy. In 1411, the Jewish community erected here the first paper production device. The Leiria described in the novel “The Sin of Father Amaro”, written by Eça de Queiroz, no longer fits present-day reality. Pilgrims on their way to Cova da Iria always stop by here, whereas students cheer up the city. The annual fair takes place from May 1st to 25th.